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Reading is more than a pastime; for those confined behind walls, it is a vital lifeline to the outside world. Shilo Brooks sits down with Ben Schatz, a dedicated public defender and the founder of Books Beyond Bars, to discuss the profound human impact of literature and the enduring legacy of Charles Portis’s classic, True Grit. Through their conversation, we explore how stories bridge the gap between isolation and humanity, and why one particular Western novel continues to captivate readers seeking justice, resilience, and truth.
Key Takeaways
- Literature as Rehabilitation: Providing access to requested books offers incarcerated individuals an essential connection to their own humanity and keeps the mind sharp amidst confinement.
- The Power of Choice: Organizations like Books Beyond Bars prioritize sending specifically requested titles rather than dumping unwanted books, honoring the individual agency of readers.
- The Resilience of Mattie Ross: The protagonist of True Grit serves as a model of level-headed, pious, and unwavering commitment to one's goals, resonating deeply with readers across all walks of life.
- Justice Beyond Procedure: The contrast between legal technicalities and the raw pursuit of "true grit" justice invites us to re-examine what it means to uphold principles in an imperfect system.
The Mission of Books Beyond Bars
Ben Schatz spends his professional life representing clients in the post-conviction stage of the criminal legal system. He quickly realized that while his role as a public defender was centered on legal advocacy, there was a secondary, equally important need: feeding the minds of those living in small, isolated cells. Books Beyond Bars was born from this recognition that his clients are not merely case numbers; they are complex people with aspirations, curiosities, and intellectual lives.
Humanity Behind the Paperwork
Schatz emphasizes that he is not a censor or a judge. His goal is not to force an agenda or provide "educational" reading materials, but simply to give his clients what they actually want. Whether a client requests a gripping thriller, a book from their childhood, or a deep dive into philosophy, fulfilling that specific request acts as a signal of respect. It validates their identity as human beings who are capable of growth and interest, even within a system designed to strip those things away.
You may not know how much a good book does for the mind, or how much you may keep a person sane.
Why True Grit Remains a Masterpiece
When asked about the book he most frequently recommends, Schatz points to the 1968 classic, True Grit by Charles Portis. Far from being just a standard Western about outlaws and gunfights, the novel is defined by its protagonist: fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross. Her voice is one of the most distinctive in American literature—sharp, uncompromising, and deeply mature.
The Singular Voice of Mattie Ross
Mattie’s narrative style is a masterclass in character voice. She approaches the death of her father and her subsequent quest for vengeance with a mixture of pious observation and dry, biting humor. She is a girl who understands the weight of her task and refuses to "flinch or crawfish" when things become unpleasant. Her ability to remain level-headed while navigating a violent, changing frontier makes her an enduring symbol of integrity.
If you want to do anything done right, you have to do it yourself.
Justice, Law, and the American Frontier
The novel offers a compelling critique of legalism through the character of Rooster Cogburn. Cogburn represents a form of "rough justice" that feels antithetical to the slow, often frustrating processes of the courtroom. While modern legal systems prioritize due process and the protection of rights, the world of True Grit often prioritizes immediate retribution.
Reframing the Legal System
Schatz bridges the gap between his work as a public defender and the themes of the book. In court, he is constantly trying to remind judges and prosecutors that they are dealing with human lives, not just case files. Literature, he argues, plays a crucial role here. By engaging with complex stories of characters struggling for justice, legal professionals can maintain their own empathy and awareness of the stakes involved in every decision they make.
Perhaps you can imagine how painful it was for us to go directly from that appalling scene to the undertaker's where my father lay dead.
Building a Culture of Reading
For those who feel they are too busy to read, Schatz offers practical advice: stop picking up the phone and pick up a book instead. Even reading in small, five-minute bursts throughout the day can lead to a significant intellectual shift. This practice is not just about entertainment; it is about building a buffer against the noise of the modern world and sharpening one's ability to focus.
The work of organizations like Books Beyond Bars reminds us that we are only on this planet for a short time. By fostering a culture of reading and ensuring that even the most isolated individuals have access to the written word, we contribute to a more humane, thoughtful society. If you are interested in supporting this work, consider visiting booksbeyondbars.org to learn more about how you can help provide the resources that keep minds active and souls fed.
